Dad to take part in London Bridges Walk 26 years after completing the first ever one

By Jenny Hursit I 9 June 2016

An inspirational fundraiser who took part in the first ever London Bridges Walk back in 1990 will be completing the march again this year – 26 years on.

Paul Matthews, who recently turned 50, first took part when the route was significantly longer at 15 miles and started in Putney, with his brother Stephen.

Paul and Stephen had both already received kidney transplants in 1990 and Paul has gone on to receive two more kidneys since then. Stephen sadly passed away in 1994. 

“I’m doing the walk again this year to raise awareness of Alport’s Syndrome. I have it, so do many members of my family, and my daughter also carries the gene meaning there’s a 50% chance she’ll pass it on to her children.

“My daughter and I will be taking part together along with other family members, some of our friends and a number of my colleagues from Tesco Head Office. We’ll be raising money for Kidney Research UK so they can continue to fund research into kidney diseases such as Alport’s.”

Paul received his third kidney transplant on 21 September 2014 after being on dialysis for 11 years.

As well as Paul, his brother Stephen had four transplants, their cousin had two, as well as their aunt and mother who have also had one transplant each.

Paul’s daughter Emma has the disease on her X chromosome.

Paul continued, “It’s only seven miles across the fantastic bridges of London. I’ll be thinking of my brother this year and remembering us doing it together all those years ago.

“I urge anyone to come along. It’s a great day out for a brilliant cause. If I can do it, anyone can!”

This fantastic family-friendly event sees walkers don their purple t-shirts and grab a purple balloon before setting off from Potters Field Park next to Tower Bridge.

The event is suitable for all; young or old - wheelchairs, prams and even dogs are all welcome.

For more information about how to sign up to take part in London, Glasgow, or our brand new event for 2016, the Newcastle Bridges Walk, click here. 

Paul is raising money through is Just Giving page.